Air quality still degraded in some areas, but better in most

OLYMPIA - Fine particle monitors this morning (Friday, Oct. 5) show
“unhealthy” air quality in Wenatchee, “unhealthy for sensitive groups” in
Ellensburg, and “moderate” air in Leavenworth, Darrington, North Bend,
Clarkston, Aberdeen, and Shelton, according to the Washington Department of
Ecology.

All other monitors are reporting “good” air quality, though data from the
U.S. Forest Service’s temporary monitors have not been reported since Thursday
afternoon.

Most areas saw some clearing Thursday afternoon. In Western Washington, haze
could be seen overhead but did not mix down to the surface in significant
amounts. Satellite imagery shows smoke well over Puget Sound, the San Juan
Islands and the Pacific coast. Smoke from Idaho and Montana wildfires was
reaching the extreme southeastern parts of the state. Expect several areas south
of Everett to see some smoke when the overnight inversion breaks this morning.
Similar smoke behavior can be expected in and around Shelton, Aberdeen,
Longview, Vancouver, Clarkston, and Walla Walla.

However, winds will remain strong enough that it’s unlikely the air quality
in those areas will deteriorate to worse than “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
A red flag warning for dry east winds remains in effect across the Cascades and
northwestern Olympic Peninsula; these winds could accelerate fire growth through
Sunday morning.

Communities close to wildfires could experience stronger smoke impacts. Night
and morning smoke can be expected, followed by some afternoon clearing.

The weekend forecast calls for similar conditions. Winds are expected to
relax a bit further. Mixing heights may reduce because of an inversion, but
computer models don’t indicate widespread air stagnation.

There continues to be a burn ban east of the Cascade crest. The
Governor’s
proclamation allows for local fire departments to issue written
permits that approve specific burning activities. Please work with your
local fire jurisdiction and your Ecology burn team staff to get the needed
written authorization for specific agricultural burns. In some areas, air
quality concerns or local fire danger may preclude burning during this
extraordinary wildfire event.